Wish lists: Barbie, four-wheelers and salami

TUPELO – Rest assured, Santa Claus is making his list and checking it twice, even as he spends a few more hours in Tupelo before heading back to the North Pole.
While “hot toys” come and go, the tried-and-true still top many children’s wish lists, Santa said.
“A lot of requests for Barbie dolls,” he said. “And we have requests for big things – a lot of four-wheelers.”
The new Wii U game console also is a popular request, as well as “video games of all types,” Santa said.
After getting daily requests from children at The Mall at Barnes Crossing, Santa checks in with the North Pole to ensure everything is on schedule.
The answer is always yes.
“Not to worry – Mrs. Claus has everything under control,” the jolly old elf said.
Some requests aren’t necessarily personal requests to be made in a toy shop, however.
“We get a number of kids every year who simply want everyone to have a great Christmas, and we suggest they donate to the Salvation Army Angel Tree program or some other program,” he said.
Some children also ask to be reunited with family members.
And then there are some requests that are, well, a bit unusual.
“It didn’t happen this year, but one Christmas, there was one child who asked for a lot of salami. A lot,” Santa said with a smile.
As for his post-Christmas plans, Santa said they’re quite simple.
“I’ll sleep for days,” he said with a hearty laugh. “We’ll have a Christmas party with the elves and then we’ll all take a rest for the next several weeks. Then it’s back to making toys for boys and girls for next Christmas. But even Santa and the elves need a rest.”
After spending months in the North Pole, it’s not unusual for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to find a warmer vacation spot, Santa said.
“Santa would have no objection at all being in Hawaii,” he said with a wink and a nod.
dennis.seid@journalinc.com